Independent filmmaker and author Rick Schmidt will combine efforts with Rome International Film Festival founder and former executive director Barry Norman to shoot a feature film in Rome.

Schmidt, who co-produced and directed the first film made by Wayne Wang known for his films “The Joy Luck Club,” “Because of Winn Dixie,” and whose films “Morgan’s Cake” and “1988: The Remake,” has collaborated with Norman on two previous films. Schmidt’s books, “Feature Filmmaking at Used Car Prices” and “Extreme DV” are considered essential references by aspiring filmmakers worldwide. He received the RIFF Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006.

The film will be shot in Rome during the first week of August.

The as yet untitled film will incorporate Schmidt’s no-script style, and will be shot in five days, utilizing well-known Rome backdrops such as The Claremont House and Schroeder’s Deli.

Diverse celebrities such as pro wrestler Sid Eudy (Sid Vicious, Psycho Psid) and musician Roger Miller (Mission of Burma, Alloy Orchestra) will lend their talents to the shoot.

Miller performed in Rome with Alloy Orchestra as part of the presentation of the classic silent film “Phantom of the Opera,” RIFF’s closing night program in 2008. As part of the film shoot, he will return to Rome to perform on August 6 at the Schroeder’s Deli courtyard from 10 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Those who wish to see the performance, and have a chance to appear in the film, are invited to attend free of charge.

“I’m looking forward to working with Rick again and to be back in Rome where the city and its denizens can participate in this project,” Norman said. “It’s exciting to again combine Rome and independent filmmaking in a project that is so close to my heart.”